roasted red pepper rigatoni

Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni

Written by on in Pasta

This roasted red pepper rigatoni is everything you want in a cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish. The sauce is made entirely from roasted veggies (hello, healthy!) sweet red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onion – blended until velvety smooth and made ultra creamy with a secret ingredient: whipped cream cheese. Tossed with rigatoni and topped with fresh basil and parmesan, this dinner feels like comfort food, but it’s secretly packed with veggies and couldn’t be easier to make.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta

  • One-pan roast, one blend – done!
  • Creamy without using heavy cream
  • Naturally sweet and smoky from roasted veggies
  • Customizable: add chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian
  • Whipped cream cheese = secret silky sauce magic
Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni
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Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni

Recipe by itskristinskitchen
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

600

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta

  • 2 red bell peppers

  • 4 tomatoes (any variety)

  • 3 whole heads garlic

  • 1 yellow onion

  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ cup whipped cream cheese

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

  • Shredded parmesan, to serve

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Prepare veggies: Cut peppers and tomatoes in halves or quarters, peel and quarter onion, and slice tops off garlic heads to expose cloves. Arrange everything on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30–35 minutes, until soft and slightly charred.
  • Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  • Blend the sauce: Squeeze roasted garlic from skins, and add to a blender with roasted tomatoes, peppers, onion, and whipped cream cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Toss pasta with sauce in a large pan or bowl. Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin.
  • Serve topped with shredded parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

  • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
    Want it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes before blending.
    Don’t skip the roasted garlic—it adds depth and a mellow sweetness to the sauce.

If you loved this creamy roasted red pepper rigatoni, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok @itskristinskitchen – I love seeing your kitchen creations! For more cozy, easy weeknight dinners, check out my latest recipe: Crispy Chicken Crunchwraps – they’ve been a total fan favorite.

Want to recreate this pasta sauce exactly the way I did? I used this blender to get the sauce super smooth and creamy—it’s my go-to in the kitchen.

For more recipes, behind-the-scenes content, and real-life cooking wins and fails, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok.